Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has confirmed that Mary Habila died at his residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, while maintaining that an autopsy remains the most credible way to determine the cause of her death.
The minister made the clarification in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, following growing public interest and media reports surrounding the circumstances of Habila’s death.
According to the statement, Umahi described the incident as “unfortunate” and said he received the news with profound shock and sadness. He explained that emergency medical procedures were immediately activated, with the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, contacted alongside other medical personnel. He added that the Nigeria Police was promptly notified in line with legal procedures.
Umahi further disclosed that after Habila’s death was confirmed, he personally met with her parents, expressed his condolences, and advised the family to consent to an autopsy to scientifically establish the cause of death. According to him, the family initially declined the recommendation.
Addressing reports regarding Habila’s presence at his residence, the minister stated that both Mary Habila and Anita Baski were physiotherapists employed by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences and had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works for the past three years before Habila’s death.
He reiterated his call for an autopsy, insisting that it remains the most responsible and transparent means of resolving the questions surrounding the incident.
Umahi also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and allow law enforcement agencies and medical experts to carry out their investigations without interference.
The minister’s statement follows earlier reports by SaharaReporters, which alleged that Habila died under unclear circumstances inside Umahi’s country home in Uburu on June 27, 2026. The report claimed the incident was initially surrounded by secrecy and that the case has since been transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki for further investigation.
According to the report, Mary Habila and Anita Baski, both said to be from Kaduna State, arrived at the minister’s residence on June 26, 2026. Habila was reportedly found unresponsive the following morning.
Police sources cited in the report alleged that Jonathan Bawado, a police officer serving as Umahi’s Personal Assistant, alerted medical personnel after Habila was discovered. A doctor and an ambulance were reportedly dispatched to the residence, while the Divisional Police Officer of Ohaozara Police Division and the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital were also notified.
As investigations continue, authorities are yet to officially determine the cause of Mary Habila’s death. The outcome of any autopsy and the ongoing police investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Thi sis serious ooooo